Neurology Center - A-Z Index

Impetigo

Impetigo is a common skin infection.

Causes

Impetigo is caused by streptococcus (strep) or staphylococcus (staph) bacteria. Methicillin-resistant staph aureus (MRSA
) is becoming a common cause.

The skin normally has many types of bacteria on it. When there is a break in the skin, bacteria can enter the body and grow there. This causes inflammation and infection. Breaks in the skin may occur with:

Animal bites

Human bites

Injury or trauma to the skin

Insect bites

Impetigo may also occur on skin where there is no visible break.

It is most common in children who live in unhealthy conditions.

In adults, it may occur following another skin problem. It may also develop after a cold or other virus.

Impetigo can spread to others. You can catch the infection if the fluid that oozes from the blisters touches an open area on your skin.

Symptoms

Symptoms of impetigo are:

One or many blisters filled with pus that are easy to pop. In infants, the skin is reddish or raw-looking where a blister has broken.

Blisters that itch:

Filled with yellow or honey-colored fluid

Oozing and crusting over

Rash
that may begin as a single spot, but spreads to other areas with scratching

Skin sores
on the face, lips, arms, or legs, that spread to other areas

Swollen lymph nodes near the infection

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will look at your skin to determine if you have impetigo.

The health care provider may take a sample of bacteria from your skin to grow in the lab.This can help determine if MRSA is the cause. Specific antibiotics are needed to treat this type of bacteria.

Treatment

The goal is to cure the infection and relieve the symptoms.

Your doctor will prescribe an antibacterial cream. You may need to take antibiotics by mouth if the infection is severe.

Wash (do not scrub) the skin several times a day with an antibacterial soap to remove crusts and drainage.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The sores of impetigo heal slowly. Scars are rare. The cure rate is very high, but the problem often comes back in young children.

For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Select option 1.

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. UPMC policy prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected group status. Further, UPMC will continue to support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. This policy applies to admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in UPMC programs and activities. This commitment is made by UPMC in accordance with federal, state, and/or local laws and regulations.

Medical information made available on UPMC.com is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely entirely on this information for your health care needs. Ask your own doctor or health care provider any specific medical questions that you have. Further, UPMC.com is not a tool to be used in the case of an emergency. If an emergency arises, you should seek appropriate emergency medical services.

For UPMC Mercy Patients: As a Catholic hospital, UPMC Mercy abides by the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, as determined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. As such, UPMC Mercy neither endorses nor provides medical practices and/or procedures that contradict the moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.